2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

No big news for 2012

Following a redesign for the 2011 model year, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan carries over essentially unchanged, with only minor updates to trim level packaging. Its $20,995 starting base price makes it the cheapest full-sized minivan and critics agree that it delivers commendable performance by most measures.

Reviewers agree that the substantial revisions from 2011 greatly improved the Grand Caravan's competitiveness. Interior quality, increased power from the new 3.6-liter V6 engine and improved suspension tuning were a few of the welcomed updates.

As before, experts rave about the "Stow ‘n' Go" seating option that allows second- and third-row seats to easily fold flat into the floor or open up for a cavernous 143.8 cubic feet of storage.

Many reviewers go on to say that the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, while competent, lacks the level of polish and sophistication found in the highest-rated minivans, the 2012 Honda Odyssey (Base MSRP: $28,225 to $43,675) and the 2012 Toyota Sienna (Base MSRP: $25,060 to $40,570) . Mediocre fuel economy and some reliability questions also prevent it from ranking ahead of these more expensive models. As a budget choice, however, the Grand Caravan is a compelling pick.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

- 17 mpg city

- 25 mpg highway

- 20 mpg combined

NHTSA Safety Ratings

- Front Impact: 4 stars

- Side Impact: 5 stars

- Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

- Overall: 4 stars

IIHS Safety Ratings

- Front Offset Impact: Good

- Side Impact:  Good

- Roof Strength: Good

- Named 2012 Top Safety Pick

For additional details, see our 2011 review

Because the 2012 model is fundamentally unchanged from last year's redesign, please visit our comprehensive report on the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan (Base MSRP: $23,995 to $30,695)  for complete details and analysis of what the experts are saying about this minivan.